New York Giants Rumors: Matt Slauson Being Looked at as Replacement for Kevin Boothe?

By Christopher Gamble

Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Giants would love to bring free agent guard Kevin Boothe back. However, according to Eric Costello the Giants are reportedly checking in on backup options. Costello originally reported that the Giants checked in on New York Jets guard Matt Slauson.

Slauson, 27, has spent his entire career with the Jets after they drafted him in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft. In 2010, Slauson beat out 2010 second round pick Vladimir Ducasse to replace Alan Faneca at left guard. Since then, Slauson has been a staple of the Jets’ offensive line and has proven to be very durable, starting every game over the last three years.

Slauson’s strength comes in the run game and is solid in pass protection. However, he sometimes has trouble with quick defensive tackles who can exploit Saluson’s lack of quickness off the snap. Still, Slauson can play guard or center and the Giants love versatility along the offensive line.

The Giants would still love to bring back Boothe, a player that has played the jack-of-all-trades role for them the past couple of season. Boothe is 30-years-old and started a full season for the first time last year at left guard. He can also play tackle and center and has been an immensely valuable member of the Giants’ offensive line since coming over from the Oakland Raiders in 2007. Boothe was originally added by the Giants as a depth piece but played his way into the starting lineup last season after filling in at center and guard in 2011.

The Giants have limited cap space available and won’t be able to throw a lot of money around. In fact, given their current cap situation it wouldn’t be surprising to see some cuts or contract restructures coming in the next few weeks especially with the draft quickly approaching.

Slauson would be a nice replacement for Boothe if Boothe takes more money from another team. Of course, with such a limited budget, the Giants could very well lose out on both Boothe and Slauson leaving them to find another option, possibly in the draft. However, the Giants have made the offensive line a priority and I would expect them to address this area before other areas in free agency.